A mule deer, most likely struck by a car, was found in a Costa Mesa backyard over the weekend by residents.

State and local wildlife agencies were alerted to the deer, a male with a six-point antler set, on Saturday, Sept. 16, by residents near East 16th Street and Santa Ana Avenue after they discovered it lying injured in their backyard.

The residents “watched it get up and walk, but it looked like part of the leg had a bone coming out,” said Debbie McGuire, executive director of the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach. The group’s veterinarian later examined the animal.

“It’s so odd for a deer to be in Costa Mesa,” McGuire said. “It’s been at least a decade since I’ve had calls on that.”

Costa Mesa Animal Control contacted the car center. Newport Beach Animal Control and wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also on the scene.

Despite its injuries, McGuire said the likely 2- to 3-year-old buck appeared well-fed and was able to make his way from the backyard to the front yard, where wardens subdued him with tranquilizing darts.

While sedated, the animal was taken to the wildlife center, where he was examined by Dr. Elizabeth Wood.

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“There were numerous abrasions, punctures, and lacerations noted throughout its body,” McGuire said. “The worst injuries were to its hind rear leg that had an open compound fracture at the hock joint, just above the metatarsal bone, with torn ligaments. Because this type of fracture opens the skin, exposing the wound to dirt and bacteria, it becomes an untreatable injury.”

The deer also had an infected front right leg and Wood decided the injuries were too extreme to treat. The deer was euthanized to prevent any more pain, McGuire said, adding that she had hoped for a happier outcome.

While the location the deer was found in was unusual, McGuire said she was told by several people who gathered there on Saturday that an animal matching its description it was seen closer to Upper Newport Bay and Castaways Park in Newport Beach over the past few months. Locally, mule deer typically live in remote areas such as the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

McGuire and those from other agencies are hopeful people will report deer if they see them in urban settings. While they will likely not be removed because capturing them can lead to a condition that causes sudden death, animal control officers and Fish and Wildlife wardens can be aware of them and keep an eye on the animals, she said, adding that it could prevent injuries like the ones this deer suffered.

If residents observe deer in residential areas they are asked to call the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center at 714 -374- 5587, which will inform biologists of their locations. Drivers involved in a collision with a deer are also asked to report it immediately by calling their local law enforcement agency.

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